Winged Defense: The Development and Possibilities of Modern Air Power--Economic and Military

This book is the basis for airpower doctrine in the US. This book shows how forward looking Gen Mitchell was even though the technology for conducting air operations was in its infancy. Required reading for anyone who claims to want to study airpower / aerospace doctrine. USAF leaders today should return to these foundational roots and make sure they understand the difference between doctrine and dogma.

"Winged Defense" is a collection of Brig. General Billy Mitchell's publications during the dark days of the interwar period between the World Wars. General Mitchell, the strongest advocate for an independent Air Force, frequently wrote on the future capabilities of Air Power. It took nearly sixty years for many of his predictions to come true. The book is a reproduction of many of those original papers. The typeset used for the book will look unusual to many readers, as the articles are published close to how they first appeared. In any case, the quaint print only serves to reinforce the truly prophetic words of a true visionary. This books needs to be on the reading list for every student of Air Power. Only after reading it, can you appreciate the genius of Billy Mitchell.